Thursday, October 11, 2007

It doesn't happen very often, but every once in awhile a vintage dress takes your breath away. I recently purchased a load of vintage dresses from a gal who was getting out of the vintage business after 30 years. She had things in piles in a bedroom of her home, was getting ready to move, and just wanted it gone. We filled about 6 large trash bags with things and I brought them home. I really didn't take the time to look at everything while I was loading the bags. I knew the quality was top notch and didn't have the time.

The other day, I took out one of the bags to inventory the clothing and get it photographed. My hand touched the black velvet, and I knew the dress was a good one because it had that substantial feel of high quality vintage. I held the dress up, and those 3 dimensional wings on the sides of the skirt made me gasp. And then.....

and then.....

I found the Ceil Chapman label. That's when I screamed out loud! Those of you who love vintage will understand. My husband thinks I'm crazy when stuff like this happens. I mean, it's just a dress.

Monday, October 08, 2007

Gina Fratini is one of the influential designers of the British Boutique Movement. She started her business in 1964 and was known for her velvet pinafores and dresses in the late 60's. She designed the dress worn by Princess Anne for her 21st birthday portrait. By the 70's, her designs had evolved into more romantic and fairytale style evening gowns. Fratini closed her business in the 80's, but continued to design for Norman Hartnell as well as private client Princess Dianna. A Fratini dress worn by Princess Dianna brought $85,000 at a Christie's auction in 1997.

If you take a closer look at the print in the skirt of this 1960's Fratini dress, you'll see giant Monarch butterfly wings. A co-ordinating geometric print forms a wide border at the hem.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Richard Selzer, AKA Mr. Blackwell, is known for more than his annual Worst Dressed List. He was a fashion designer who had his own line of women's clothing from 1958 to the 80's. His designs tended toward the dramatic and theatrical. This dress certainly attests to that! Fashioned from black wool jersey, it has the most incredible rhinestone choker neckline!

Strands of rhinestones connect the choker to the front neckline of the dress. And if that's not sexy enough, take a look at the back!

About

A blog for lovers of vintage clothing and fashion, where you can learn about vintage styles, designers, and design concepts through photos from the past. I also feature vintage garments available for sale at my website. Your comments are welcome! Shop http://www.coutureallure.com/ for the best in vintage fashion.